Selab asked people to cooperate with the government in improving the security situation.

But Haseebullah Stanikzai, a member of the provincial council, said both Taliban and security forces were responsible for civilian deaths in Logar.

He said incidents of civilian casualties had increased in Logar province this year compared to the past.

Abdul Razaq, a resident of Niazio village, said his brother was killed last week as a result of a clash between Taliban and security forces.

Razaq demanded the government improve the security situation as its prime responsibility.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said civilians often suffered casualties in raids by Afghan and foreign forces.

“We don’t kill civilians. Recently a roadside bomb killed five people in Dahno locality and the Taliban are investigating who planted the landmine,” said Zabihullah, who Afghan officials recently said had been wounded in a clash with security forces.